For skilled tradespeople looking to migrate to Australia, a successful skills assessment is a non-negotiable step. As of 2025, learning about the various assessing authorities and their specific requirements can seem complex. We have put together a comprehensive guide which breaks down the process, focusing on the key accessing authorities, and outlining what you need to know for your trade skills assessment Australia.

Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) vs. VETASSESS

The landscape of trade skills assessment is primarily governed by two major assessing authorities: Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) and VETASSESS. While both assess trade occupations, they handle different programs and occupations.

Trades Recognition Australia (TRA)

TRA is the designated assessing authority for a broad range of skilled trades and technical occupations, including cooks, chefs, carpenters, mechanics, and welders. They manage assessments for applicants seeking a temporary or permanent migration visa pathway, ensuring their skills meet Australian standards. TRA offers several programs tailored to different visa types and applicant locations, which are the OSAP, TSS/SID, MSA, and JRP.

Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP)

The OSAP is for offshore applicants seeking a skills assessment for migration purposes. This program typically involves a documentary evidence assessment, followed by a technical interview, and in some cases, a practical assessment.

Skills in Demand (SID) Visa Assessment (formerly TSS)

The Skills in Demand (SID) Visa Assessment (formerly the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa) program is for applicants applying for an employer-sponsored visa. This involves an assessment against the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and is often limited to documentary evidence and/or a technical interview.

Migration Skills Assessment (MSA)

The MSA program is often used for the General Skilled Migration (GSM) visa program, like the Subclass 189, 190 and 491. This program assesses both qualifications and employment experience to ensure they meet Australian standards. Additionally, certain construction trades, such as bricklayers and carpenters, from countries such as China, Ireland, and the UK, can choose MSA instead of OSAP.

Job Ready Program (JRP)

The JRP is a four-step employment-based skills assessment program for international students who have graduated with an Australian trade qualification.

VETASSESS

VETASSESS assesses a significant number of general professional occupations. However, VETASSESS also handles a specific range of trade occupations like bakers, pastry cooks, retail butchers and panel beaters, often for specific states and territories under the work visa subclasses.

With the constant changes in the migration landscape, it is important to be up to date on the skills lists for visas such as the SID (SC482) visa. Ensure your occupation is on the relevant skills list for your desired visa subclass.

Read our clients’ testimonials on Agape Henry Crux and Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law, Jason Ling.

For any professional advice about skills assessment, speak with one of our immigration lawyers by scheduling a Migration Planning Session consultation. The team works closely with two of our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law who specialise in highly complex cases. Book a consultation for professional advice by calling 02-8310-5230 or emailing us to book a time at info@ahclawyers.com.

We speak fluent English, Mandarin and Cantonese. If these aren’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.

This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.

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